TOWN centre traders are urging shoppers and residents to take pride in their community by keeping the streets clean.

In an attempt to boost trade in Spennymoor most businesses are backing a campaign to clean up the town centre.

Spennymoor Town Centre Forum's environmental sub-committee wants people to take care of the area to make the town look its best.

Member George Teasdale has designed posters which are displayed in most business windows, urging people not to drop litter .

Mr Teasdale, a photographer in the town, said: "Working with the Chamber of Trade I'll redesign the posters every two months so hopefully people keep noticing them.

"Pupils, especially during lunch-time, could help improve the town by not dropping their sandwich or sweet wrappers."

One man who is at the heart of the campaign to tidy up the town centre is retired prison officer Don Gordon, a member of the forum's environmental focus group.

For around two years Mr Gordon has voluntarily walked around the town picking litter from footpaths and the Festival Walk shopping precinct.

He said: "I got so frustrated with the state of Spennymoor that I started picking up litter I saw, now I fill five big bin liners every day.

"Every trader and resident should look after the paths outside their own property, that would make an amazing difference.

"By working at the most basic level, discouraging litter in the first place and cleaning the streets, Spennymoor can be a town worth visiting."

Sedgefield Borough Council and Retail Properties, owners of Festival Walk, took similar steps to the forum by reintroducing the traditional post of 'lengthsman.'

Bobby Simpson has become a popular figure since he took up the post in September, maintaining and patrolling his allotted section of public space.

Cleansing officer Gary Watson, said: "Everyone is fed up with the sweet papers, cigarette ends and dog fouling in the town centre, so we decided to take this course of action.